The Herald recently invited Mayor Elizabeth Patterson for an interview, to discuss her campaign for re-election. Mayor Patterson provided responses to the following questions posed by the Herald. 1. How did you get into politics? When were you first interested? I was always keenly aware that we had limited natural resources, but it was the […]
Candidate Spotlight: Mark Hughes eyes mayoral seat
It was 11 years ago when Mark Hughes— a Pacific Gas & Electric executive and member of Benicia’s Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission— was elected to the City Council. He was re-elected in 2009 and 2014, the latter year in which he received enough votes to become the city’s vice mayor. Now he is […]
John McGuire: Attacks on Mark Hughes are without merit
By John McGuire Special to the Herald We are being asked in this election to vote for one of two people running for mayor of the City of Benicia. While I had thought that our community of Benicia was free of the negative campaigning that seems to occur far too often on the federal and […]
Christina Strawbridge: To receive or not to receive an endorsement– that is the question
I am honored to have received the following endorsements and support for my City Council reelection: * Benicia Police Officers Association * Local 1186 Benicia Firefighters Association * Benicia Teachers’ Association * Solano Board of Realtors * Benicia Chamber of Commerce * Napa Solano Labor Council * Napa Solano Building Trades Council The Police and […]
Candidate Spotlight: Seven questions with Tom Campbell
The Herald recently invited City Councilman Tom Campbell for an interview, to discuss his campaign for re-election to the council. Dr. Campbell provided responses to the following questions posed by the Herald. 1. How did you get into politics? When were you first interested? Dr. Campbell’s interest in politics grew of his involvement with the […]
Candidate spotlight: Lionel Largaespada reflects on busy campaign
The City Council election is a five-way race among two incumbents— Tom Campbell and Christina Strawbridge— and three newcomers. Two of those newcomers— George Oakes and Steve Young— have served on the Planning Commission for five and four years respectively, making Lionel Largaespada— who has served as vice chair of the Economic Development Board since […]
Matt Talbot: Some thoughts on the 2016 election following the first debate
The general consensus among pundits, and confirmed by scientific polling since, is that Hillary Clinton won the presidential debate on Monday night. I would agree with that consensus, but I still think she is a weak candidate. She reminds me in many ways of the last candidate who ran to succeed a two-term Democrat: Al […]
Think Dream Play: Will Rogers never met this guy
Not sure if it was Machiavelli or Michael Corleone who originated the phrase, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” but it’s been on my mind. The concept came in handy in – of all places – public school! When I was working as a high school principal, I needed to have my ear […]
Office seekers/holders discuss goals, crude by rail at Candidates’ Night
(This is Part 1 of a 2-part article. For Part 2, go here.) Candidates for mayor and city council had an opportunity to answer questions on important issues Tuesday night at the Benicia Chamber of Commerce’s Candidates’ Night. The forum was held in the Council Chambers of City Hall and moderated by Peter Friesen. All […]
Candidates to field questions in Chamber-sponsored forum tonight
You have seen the yard signs, and you have heard their names. Now you have a chance to get to hear from the candidates for mayor and city council in person tonight for the Benicia Chamber of Commerce’s Candidate’s Night. The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a forum at City Hall in which residents […]